Ladd Issues Statement For Cancelled UFC Atlantic City Fight

UFC Bantamweight Aspen Ladd missed weight at Friday’s weigh-ins for the April 21st UFC card in Atlantic City. Ladd who claimed the 1.8 pound disparity was due to “certain female circumstances,” attempted to make concessions to keep her fight with Leslie Smith. Smith was not interested, in taking the risk on a fighter who came in over weight, effectively cancelling a second fight for Saturday’s card.

“I apologize to my opponent Leslie Smith, the fans and the UFC,” Ladd said in a public statement.

“I missed weight by 1.8 lbs due to certain female circumstances. Regardless, it’s not an excuse, we consulted with the doctor and a decision was made not to continue cutting weight. We made every effort with the UFC to keep the fight alive, even offered Leslie an additional $5,000 on top of my 20% purse deduction. The UFC told me Leslie will not accept the fight. I would kindly ask the UFC to rebook this fight assuming Leslie will take at the earliest convenience anywhere in the world.”

Ladd also apologized on her Twitter account, reiterating her above statement.

UFC Atlantic City is set to go forward with 11 fights, as the fight between Magomed Bibulatov and Ulka Sasaki cancelled due to Bibulatov being “medically unfit” due to back issues.

The main event was almost in trouble, as Kevin Lee missed weight for his fight against Edson Barboza as well, but Barboza has accepted the bout at a 157 lb catchweight.